The Criminal Justice program is comprised of professional and general education courses and is designed to provide the student with a broad exposure to criminal justice theory and process as well as contemporary issues and problems. The curriculum provides a balanced approach to both law enforcement and corrections, with supporting courses that enhance both perspectives. The program has been developed in conjunction with active professionals in the field of criminal justice who serve as members of an advisory committee. Successful completion of the two-year program described in this guide leads to an Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree in Criminal Justice. The AAS-T option may improve the transferability of Associate in Applied Science degrees to some four-year programs.

Siena Heights University’s pre-law curriculum consists of a core sequence of courses considered by the university to be most appropriate for students planning to enter law school. Students must complete an academic major and although any major is possible, the following are particularly recommended: Accounting, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, English, History, Law & Politics, Mathematics, Philosophy, Psychology, and Social Science.

Paralegal Studies is an associate degree program intended to train a generalist paralegal. Graduates from the associate degree program will have a strong foundation in the areas of legal research and writing, contracts, torts, criminal law and property law.

Associate in Science in Administration of Justice for Transfer (AS-T) The Associate in Science in Administration of Justice for Transfer (AS-T in Administration of Justice) is designed to provide a clear pathway to a CSU institution for students who plan to transfer and complete a CSU major or baccalaureate degree in Administration of Justice. The Associate in Science in Administration of Justice for Transfer (AS-T in Administration of Justice) is an innovative social science program that emphasizes critical thinking about corrections, crime and delinquency, legal studies, and working with diverse communities. This multidisciplinary program explores the connections between law, crime, and justice.

The Associate of Arts in criminal justice is a two-year degree program that provides a foundation in criminology, law enforcement, and the justice system. Students also learn about the social issues affecting criminal justice as they prepare for a career in law enforcement or for a four-year degree in criminal justice studies.

Associate of Arts or Science in Administration of Justice: Law Enforcement Emphasis course of study is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in municipal and county law enforcement agencies (i.e. police or sheriffs departments), and/or to transfer to Bachelor's degree programs in Criminal Justice or related fields to prepare for federal or state-level law enforcement positions (i.e., FBI, DEA, INS, etc.)

The Associate of Applied Science degree, Paralegal is approved by the American Bar Association and designed to train students for careers working as paralegals or legal assistants in law firms, governmental agencies, corporate legal departments, public service organizations, and other institutions. Paralegals work under the supervision of an attorney and are not licensed to practice law.

The Associate of Science in Administration of Justice: Legal Studies Emphasis course of study is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in municipal and county law enforcement agencies (i.e. police or sheriffs departments), and/or to transfer to Bachelor's degree programs in Criminal Justice or related fields to prepare for federal or state-level law enforcement positions (i.e., FBI, DEA, INS, etc.)

San Jose City College offers both an Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS) and certificates in Administration of Justice Judicial Administration. Students planning to transfer should follow the Associate in Arts. The Judicial Administration option expands the existing Administration of Justice program focus beyond primarily law enforcement to include judicial branch careers. The program offers students educational opportunities which prepare them for entry into judicial branch careers. Additionally, the curriculum addresses the educational and professional development needs of the existing judicial branch workforce and prepares students for advancement in their careers working in the courts. The program goals address the increasing need for well-prepared applicants for court positions at all levels from entry to managerial.

The Associate of Science in Administration of Justice: Criminology Emphasis is designed to qualify students for entry into the field of law, law enforcement, or corrections directly from Santa Barbara City College, as well as for those who desire two years of criminal justice study for transfer to a four-year university or law school.

There is a growing need for trained paralegals who know substantive law and administrative procedures required by the law and the court systems. The paralegal performs various legal tasks under the supervision of attorneys, including conducting legal research and drafting legal documents. Paralegals provide staff support for attorneys in a law office or in a legal setting. Many of these tasks are done by attorneys; however, under the law, they could be provided by paralegals under the supervision of an attorney. The Associate in Arts degree in Paralegal Studies will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the Major course requirements and the General Education requirements.

The Corrections degree and certificate program provides preparatory instruction necessary for persons who wish entry into four-year institutions for careers as Correctional Officers, Counselors, or Probation and Parole Officers with federal, state, and county agencies. Entry-level employment may be available after satisfactory completion of the AA degree or certificate requirements.

San Jose City College offers both an Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS) and certificates in Administration of Justice Judicial Administration. Students planning to transfer should follow the Associate in Arts. The Judicial Administration option expands the existing Administration of Justice program focus beyond primarily law enforcement to include judicial branch careers. The program offers students educational opportunities which prepare them for entry into judicial branch careers. Additionally, the curriculum addresses the educational and professional development needs of the existing judicial branch workforce and prepares students for advancement in their careers working in the courts. The program goals address the increasing need for well-prepared applicants for court positions at all levels from entry to managerial.

Administration of Justice is the study of the causes, consequences and control of crime. Although the programs curriculum allows for the development of in-depth knowledge in one of the subjects substantive subsystems (i.e. law enforcement, juvenile, courts or corrections, judicial administration), our objective is to expose the student to a series of courses within the major intended to develop social and cultural sensitivity, effective communication skills, ethical awareness, and the concepts of law necessary to be successful in one of the many Administration of Justice careers. Programs in Administration of Justice are designed to prepare students for careers in federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, correctional agencies and institutions, and private security agencies.

Administration of Justice is the beginning coursework leading toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. With the Administration of Justice degree, you will study criminal justice theory, including an examination of the constitutional rights, and the application and practice of the theory within the criminal justice system in America. With certificates in Crime Scene Investigation and Corrections, you will have more focused study in specializations within law enforcement, probation, and corrections.